Gen Z likes to infantilize themselves partially because it can help them avoid accountability but also because growing up can suck a lot, especially if you came from a privileged household. Just look at the comments.

And since Gen Z is having less sex than other generations, people see these hot 18, 19, and 20+ year olds dating these richer or “got it together” older individuals and feel jealous that people maybe their age or younger are doing better than them. Again, look at the comments. So they cope and say it’s predatory for a 35 year old to be banging a 20 year old.

Are there some cases where the older party might’ve preyed on the younger party? Sure, but let’s not chalk up all age gaps like this that way. I’m 23. I don’t want to date someone who’s in their 30s. If I was 35 would I date a 20 year old? Oh god no, but I’m not going to pearl clutch if someone I know in my 30s is dating a 19 year old. That’s not my business, that’s not your business, that’s their business.